ONE of the sailors aboard the USS Ronaled Reagan - which recently visitied Phuket - was a young Thai man named Tanan Tangpradabkul who, at 20 years of age, has already achieved the position of Supervisor within the Flight Control Tower of the gargantuan flight carrier.

No mean feat for a lad who began his life in Bangkok. When fate threw an opportunity his way to go and live in Los Angeles at 14, this determined young kid grabbed it with both hands. It was the first of many serendipitous events that would lead him down the road to realising his dream of becoming a pilot.

It?s easy to see that this young man is proud of his achievements and why not.Not everyone could maintain the focus that this kid has had, experience rapid promotion and still maintain perspective on his whirlwind success.

Despite his obvious pride, he enthusiastically credits America with allowing him the freedom to follow his path.

?I learned a lot from the US Navy and the technological developments they use.? he said. He also feels strongly that he couldn?t do his job without the solid support of his colleagues.

His ability to seize opportunities continued when he moved to a town just outside of Las Vegas which had a military base. He couldn?t believe his luck when he was able to join an after-school programme that allowed him pre-military training, further feeding his desire to become a pilot. While most kids of his age were stuck on computer games for entertainment, Khun Tanan spent many hours practicing his flight skills on flight simulators he managed to find on the internet. He had a plan and seemed to choose activities quite naturally and effortlessly that moved him along the right road.

Needing very little prompting and with an affable and endearing way about him, he continues his story. At 17 he joined the US Navy where he is exposed to life and work on an aircraft carrier, getting nearer to his passion ? planes. As the Flight Tower Supervisor he is responsible for the movement of all aircraft on and off the ship. It is a job that requires great skill and attention. The USS Ronald Reagan that is now providing him with what he feels is invaluable aviation experience but also he is learning a lot about himself.

A significant milestone for Khun Tanan will be when he returns to Thailand and work as a commercial pilot. You get the impression this kid has many more milestones ahead of him. He is definitely living his dream.